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mission

The Wind Institute for Innovation and Training coordinates and galvanizes cross-organizational workforce development, education, research, and innovation efforts to support New Jersey’s goal of generating 11,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2040.  The Wind Institute works with strategic partners to develop and deliver training programs and educational resources, and promote research and innovation in the state’s growing offshore wind industry. 

New! Offshore Wind Training Website

objectives

ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A ROBUST AND DIVERSE OFFSHORE WIND WORKFORCE

CHAMPION RESEARCH AND INNOVATION THAT UNLOCKS MARKET POTENTIAL

EXPLORE

In 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed executive order no. 79 that called for the creation of the Wind Institute to advance New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce and research and innovation efforts. In 2020, the Governor’s WIND Council report detailed the vision for the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training.  On behalf of the State of New Jersey, NJEDA works with state agencies and with industry, academia, labor, community, and other stakeholders to meet the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training’s core objectives.  

New Jersey is well-positioned to serve as a hub for the U.S offshore wind industry thanks to the state’s skilled workforce, top education system, and vibrant innovation ecosystem. The Wind Institute’s programs build on New Jersey’s strengths to become a national leader in offshore wind.

The Wind Institute will coordinate and galvanize cross-organizational workforce, research, and innovation efforts to support New Jersey as a leader in offshore wind.

To ensure the Wind Institute complements ongoing market development efforts and addresses unmet needs, the WIND Council, a cross-governmental coordinating effort, assessed the state of the offshore wind industry in New Jersey, conducted a gap analysis of workforce assets in New Jersey, and facilitated discussions with a wide range of stakeholders. Together, these inputs shaped the WIND Council’s recommendations for the Wind Institute, including to be legislatively established as an independent authority.

Together, these inputs shaped the WIND Council’s recommendations for the Wind Institute, now housed within NJEDA. Read the WIND Council’s full report here

Key Partners

Office of the Governor

Office of the Secretary of Higher Education

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Jen Becker
Executive Vice President,
Clean Energy & Workforce Innovation Partnerships
Ahmed chaudry
Manager,
Wind Institute


ahmed.chaudry@njeda. gov
Cathy Yuhas
Sr. Program Officer,
Wind Institute
Lloyd lomelino
Project Officer,
Wind Institute
Aina Yadav
Project Officer,
Wind Institute
Analisa Groble
Program Associate,
Wind Institute

Have a question for the Wind Institute team? Contact us at WindInstitute@njeda.gov.  

The Wind Institute has partnered with the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) to develop a suite of wind turbine technician training and degree programs. In March 2024, RCSJ launched Wind Power Ready, a 21-week, full-time wind turbine technician training program that provides technical, hands-on training that covers field experience climbing wind towers, installing and maintaining electrical equipment, hydraulics, and other topics. Trainees also receive industry-valued credentials including GWO Basic Safety Training and OSHA 10-hour certifications, bi-weekly stipends, , and dedicated wraparound services, including interview and resume prep, career coaching, and other supports through the Center for Family Services. Vestas is an employer partner for the program and will interview and consider all training graduates for hire at their onshore wind farms with a commitment to also prioritize hired graduates for employment in New Jersey once offshore wind farms are operational in the state. The program has received funding support for implementation from American Clean Power and Leading Light Wind. The pilot cohort of the program graduated in August 2024.  

Read the press releases on RCSJ’s grant award here and here.

The Wind Institute’s Offshore Wind Safety Training Challenge administered through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) awarded funding to Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) to establish an industry-recognized Global Wind Organization (GWO) safety training program and facility to prepare workers for jobs in the growing offshore wind industry. Phase 1 of the GWO facility is complete and currently offers GWO Basic Safety Training Certification at ACCC’s campus, which covers curriculum including working at heights, manual handling, first aid, fire awareness, and other topics.  

Read the press release on ACCC’s grant here. 
Learn more and sign up for GWO Basic Safety Training classes

Building on programs offered by New Jersey’s strong vocational schools and county colleges, the Wind Institute has partnered with several schools in South Jersey to expand training opportunities for the specific welding and painting skills required in the manufacturing of large steel components, such as monopile foundations. These training programs are currently offered in Gloucester County and under development in Salem and Camden counties.  


Read the press releases for the awards to Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT), Salem County Vocational Technical Schools, and Camden County Technical Schools and Camden County College.   

Learn more and sign up for GCIT classes. 

Learn more about Salem programs. 

Learn more about Camden programs for high school students and post-secondary students.  

The Wind Institute awarded five organizations through its Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge in 2023 to support the development of new offshore wind workforce training programs with a particular focus on serving residents of New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities. Programs include:  

  • (1) Environmental Justice Offshore Wind Workforce Training offered by New Jersey-Environmental Justice Alliance 
  • (2) Pre-Apprenticeship Upskill Training Program offered by the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association 
  • (3) Carpenter Apprentice Ready Program offered by Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College 
  • (4) a suite of programs including Lifting Futures Forklift Training Program, Welding Training, and Siemens-Certified Mechatronics Systems Associate Certification (Levels 1 and 2) offered by Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center 
  • (5) construction-focused training with credentials for OSHA 30-Hour, LEED Green Associate, and PMI-CP Construction Professional offered by Apex Solutions Foundation.    

Read the press release on the awards here.  
  

Learn more about the five organizations: 

Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center 

Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College 

New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance 

Apex Solutions Foundation 

Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association 

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity that will award grants to implement workforce development training programs that bolster the green economy talent pipeline in the state with a particular focus on NJ’s Overburdened Communities. A total of $7 million is available for programs under this Grant Challenge, including $2.65 million from the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training and $4.35 million through the Governor’s Council on the Green Economy. The minimum and maximum amounts for individual awards are set at $250,000 and $1.5 million respectively. NJEDA anticipates making multiple awards in this grant challenge.

The Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant Challenge is a pilot program whereby NJEDA will award a single grant of $6.35 million to an Administrator to develop and administer a Sub-Grant program for offshore wind applied research and innovation open to universities and colleges located in New Jersey.

The Wind Institute has partnered with Rutgers University, Rowan University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Montclair State University to support the development of programs that further offshore wind expertise and learning.   

Read the press release here 

In 2023, NJEDA released a Request for Expressions of Interest to develop a research and innovation hub that supports the advancement of offshore wind and renewable energy sectors in New Jersey. The center will accelerate development, scale, and adoption of critical innovations in offshore wind and related sectors, driving technology-led business growth, job creation, and economic development while creating targeted resources and space for clean energy entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

Click Here For The Full PDF.

The Wind Institute Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students at New Jersey’s public and private research universities with an opportunity to conduct paid, independent research in offshore wind over an academic year. Students receive a stipend to conduct research under the mentorship of a university faculty advisor and gain industry knowledge through monthly cohort meetings, guest lectures, site visits, and other activities. Students present their research and findings to industry, academic, and community stakeholders at an annual research symposium.    

Read the press release here 

Visit the Fellowship webpage here

The Wind Institute has partnered with KidWind, a national non-profit, to develop specialized elementary, middle, and Career and Technical Education curriculum that educates students about offshore wind, all aligned with New Jersey’s climate change standards.

Learn more about KidWind.

To help our youngest residents learn more about the offshore wind industry, the Wind Institute created a fun activity/coloring book.  To receive physical copies for your local organization or school, email windinstitute@njeda.gov.  

Digitial Download

  • There are no open opportunities for the Wind Institute at this time
View all programs

NJEDA Receives Notice of $50M Award for Federal Grant to Advance Offshore Wind Development in New Jersey – September 27, 2024 

NJEDA Issues RFI for Apprenticeship Training Centers and Construction Grants – September 3, 2024 

NJEDA to Open Applications for Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge – August 5, 2024 

NJEDA to Host Informative “Open Houses” on Offshore Wind in New Jersey – June 4, 2024 

Offshore Wind Roundtable in Atlantic City Sparks Critical Conversations on Maritime Opportunities and Workforce Development – May 23, 2024 

NJEDA Approves Creation of $7M Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge – April 11, 2024 

NJEDA Partners with NJIT to Create Two Offshore Wind Graduate Certificate Programs – NJEDA – September 12, 2023 

NJEDA to Issue Request for Expressions of Interest for Wind Innovation Center –June 23, 2023 

Nearly $4M in Grants to Support Offshore Wind Workforce Training Approved by NJEDA Board -June 21, 2023 

NJEDA to Fund Sub-Arc Welding Training in Camden County – April 21, 2023 

NJEDA to Expand Wind Institute Fellowship Program -February 8, 2023 

Expansion of Welding and Painting Programs for Offshore Wind at Salem County Vocational Technical School -April 14, 2022 

NJEDA partners with Four NJ Universities to Advance State’s Offshore Wind Learning and Research Efforts -March 31, 2022 

Expansion of Welding and Painting Programs for Offshore Wind at Gloucester Institute of Technology -December 20, 2021 

NJEDA Board Approves Rowan College of South Jersey for Wind Turbine Tech Training Challenge Grant –September 27, 2021 

Atlantic Cape Community College Wins NJ Offshore Wind Safety Training Challenge -July 6, 2021 

Upcoming Events

There are currently no scheduled events at this time. Please check back soon for updated information.

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